What to Pack for Arenal Adventures: Complete 2026 Packing Guide
TL;DR
Pack light layers for Arenal’s tropical climate (70-90°F) including quick-dry clothes, hiking boots with traction, rain gear year-round, swimsuit for hot springs and waterfalls, sun protection SPF 30+, and insect repellent with DEET 25-30%. Essential items are comfortable walking shoes, reusable water bottle, small daypack, headlamp for night tours, and waterproof phone case. Bring 2-3 pairs of pants, 4-5 shirts, one light jacket, and underwear/socks for 5-7 days. Skip jeans, cotton, excessive toiletries, and bulky items since you’ll buy affordable alternatives locally. Different activities require specific gear: binoculars for wildlife ($30-100), water shoes for rafting ($20-40), camera with waterproof case for adventures. Dry season January-April needs less rain gear while green season May-November requires waterproof everything. Pack medication, first aid basics, copies of documents, and travel insurance. Total luggage should fit one carry-on plus personal item avoiding checked bag fees and loss risks. Buy forgotten items in La Fortuna where supermarkets, pharmacies, and outdoor shops stock most needs at reasonable prices.
What Are the Absolute Essentials to Pack for Arenal Volcano?
Hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction handle muddy trails, lava flows, waterfall steps, and rainforest paths that become slippery death traps in regular sneakers or sandals during any season.
Rain gear including lightweight packable rain jacket works year-round since brief tropical showers hit even during dry season, with green season requiring waterproof pants and pack covers too.
Quick-dry clothing made from synthetic fabrics or merino wool handles humidity and frequent washing, while cotton stays wet forever creating chafing, odor, and discomfort in tropical conditions.
Reusable water bottle holding 1+ liter reduces plastic waste and saves money versus buying disposable bottles daily, with most hotels and restaurants offering free refills.
Table: Absolute Essential Items for Arenal – Must Have
| Item | Why It’s Essential | What Happens Without It | Cost Locally | Weight/Space | Can’t Substitute With |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking Boots/Trail Shoes | Traction on mud, ankle support | Slips, twisted ankles, ruined shoes | $60-120 | Heavy 2-3 lbs | Running shoes barely work |
| Rain Jacket Packable | Year-round showers | Soaked, cold, miserable | $25-50 | Light 8 oz | Poncho okay, umbrella poor |
| Quick-Dry Shirts (3-4) | Humidity, frequent washing | Wet cotton, chafing, odor | $15-30 each | Light | Cotton terrible |
| Quick-Dry Pants (2) | Muddy trails, washing | Wet jeans, discomfort | $30-60 | Medium | Shorts alone insufficient |
| Swimsuit | Hot springs, waterfalls | Miss key experiences | $20-40 | Minimal | Nothing works |
| Sun Protection SPF 30+ | Intense tropical sun | Severe burns, skin damage | $12-20 | Minimal | Long sleeves help |
| Insect Repellent DEET | Mosquitoes, other bugs | Constant bites, potential disease | $8-15 | Small | Natural repellents weak |
| Reusable Water Bottle | Hydration, reduce plastic | Buy disposables daily $$$ | $10-25 | Medium | Disposables work but wasteful |
| Small Daypack 15-25L | Carry daily essentials | Hand-carry everything | $30-60 | Medium | Plastic bags poor |
| Headlamp/Flashlight | Night tours, power outages | Can’t see, miss experiences | $15-40 | Small | Phone flashlight insufficient |
Sunscreen SPF 30+ protects against intense equatorial sun that burns even through clouds, requiring reapplication every 2 hours during outdoor activities particularly on lava flows and lake.
Bug spray with DEET 25-30% provides effective protection against mosquitoes, sand flies, and other insects that natural alternatives can’t match, especially important during green season dawn and dusk.
Small daypack (15-25 liter capacity) carries water, rain gear, snacks, camera, and layers during daily activities, sized appropriately for 2-4 hour adventures without excessive bulk.
Headlamp or flashlight becomes essential for night wildlife tours and handles occasional power outages at accommodations, with red-filter capability being ideal for preserving night vision.
These 10 items constitute the non-negotiable essentials where forgetting one significantly diminishes your Arenal experience or creates genuine safety and comfort issues.
The common mistake is packing too much of everything else while forgetting these core essentials, arriving with three pairs of jeans but no rain jacket in a rainforest.
What Clothing Should You Pack for Arenal Volcano Activities?
Pack 3-4 quick-dry synthetic or merino wool shirts rotating through washing every 2-3 days in hotel sinks, drying overnight in humid conditions where cotton would stay wet for days.
Bring 2 pairs of lightweight hiking pants or zip-off convertible pants providing versatility between full-length protection and shorts for different activities and temperatures.
One pair of shorts works for hot springs, town walks, and hotel relaxation, though long pants are mandatory for most hiking and adventure activities protecting against brush and insects.
Table: Complete Clothing List for 5-7 Days in Arenal
| Clothing Item | Quantity | Material Type | When You Wear It | Packing Priority | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick-Dry T-Shirts | 3-4 | Synthetic, merino | Daily activities | Essential | Cotton (stays wet) |
| Quick-Dry Long Sleeve | 1-2 | Synthetic, merino | Sun protection, cool mornings | Very Important | Heavy cotton |
| Hiking Pants | 2 pairs | Lightweight synthetic | Trails, adventures | Essential | Jeans (heavy, slow-dry) |
| Shorts | 1-2 pairs | Quick-dry | Hot springs, town, hotel | Important | Board shorts (bulky) |
| Swimsuit | 1-2 | Standard swimwear | Hot springs, waterfalls | Essential | None |
| Underwear | 5-7 pairs | Quick-dry synthetic | Daily | Essential | Cotton (slow-dry) |
| Socks Hiking | 3-4 pairs | Merino, synthetic | Hiking days | Essential | Cotton (blisters) |
| Light Jacket/Fleece | 1 | Synthetic, fleece | Cool mornings, AC buses | Very Important | Heavy winter jacket |
| Rain Pants | 1 pair | Waterproof | Green season hikes | Important (seasonal) | None for dry season |
| Hat Wide Brim | 1 | Breathable | Sun protection | Very Important | Baseball cap (less coverage) |
| Bandana/Buff | 1-2 | Lightweight fabric | Sun, sweat, dust | Recommended | None |
Long-sleeve shirts provide sun and insect protection for activities like wildlife tours and horseback riding where you’re exposed for extended periods without constant movement.
Zip-off convertible pants offer maximum versatility becoming shorts when hot or full pants when needed for brush protection, though dedicated hiking pants and separate shorts work fine too.
Merino wool clothing handles odor better than synthetics allowing you to wear items 2-3 times between washes, making it ideal for multi-day trips with limited luggage.
Moisture-wicking sports bras for women and compression shorts for men prevent chafing during humid hiking, making these undergarment choices more important than in dry climates.
One “nice outfit” for nicer restaurants or evening town walks matters if you care about looking presentable, though most Arenal dining is casual and accepts hiking attire.
Avoid packing jeans since they’re heavy, take forever to dry, and become uncomfortable when wet, making them the worst possible choice for tropical rainforest travel.
The total clothing weight should stay under 10-12 pounds for a week, easily fitting in half a carry-on bag when you focus on quick-dry lightweight items.
What Footwear Do You Need for Different Arenal Activities?
Hiking boots with ankle support and aggressive tread handle volcanic trails, muddy rainforest paths, 500-step waterfall descents, and uneven terrain making them essential for anyone doing multiple hiking activities.
Water shoes or sport sandals with straps work for rafting, river crossings, hot springs, and waterfall swimming where you need foot protection but regular shoes would be ruined.
Casual sandals or flip-flops serve hotel pool time, town walks, and evening relaxation, though they’re inappropriate for any trail hiking or adventure activities.
For detailed trail descriptions, difficulty ratings, and safety tips, see our complete Arenal Volcano Hike Guide.
Table: Footwear for Arenal by Activity Type
| Shoe Type | Best For | Not Suitable For | Cost | Weight | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking Boots (ankle support) | Trails, lava flows, long hikes | Water activities, hot springs | $80-150 | Heavy 2-3 lbs | Essential |
| Trail Runners/Hiking Shoes | Light trails, hanging bridges, day hikes | Heavy mud, rocky terrain | $60-100 | Medium 1.5 lbs | Very Important |
| Water Shoes/Sandals (Keens) | Rafting, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs | Hiking trails | $40-80 | Light 1 lb | Important |
| Sport Sandals (Teva, Chaco) | Hot springs, town, light walking | Serious hiking | $50-100 | Light 1 lb | Recommended |
| Flip-Flops/Casual Sandals | Hotel, pool, showers | Any activities | $10-25 | Light 8 oz | Recommended |
| Running Shoes (if you have) | Easy trails, town, exercise | Muddy trails | $60-120 | Medium 1.5 lbs | Optional |
Hiking boots deserve the investment if you’re doing 3+ days of hiking activities including La Fortuna Waterfall, national park trails, hanging bridges, and volcano hikes.
Trail runners or lightweight hiking shoes work as acceptable compromise for travelers doing moderate hiking who want to pack lighter and move faster than heavy boots allow.
The three-shoe minimum is hiking boots + water shoes + casual sandals covering all Arenal activities adequately, though some travelers successfully bring just trail runners and sport sandals.
Breaking in new hiking boots before your trip prevents blisters and discomfort, with 20-30 miles of wear ensuring they’re comfortable before tackling Arenal’s trails.
Waterproof hiking boots sound ideal but trap moisture in humid rainforest conditions where your feet sweat more than external rain penetrates, making water-resistant breathable better.
Forget fashion sneakers or leather dress shoes since you’ll never wear them and they add weight, with Arenal being casual enough that hiking attire works everywhere.
Most visitors bring too many shoes carrying 4-5 pairs when 2-3 would suffice, wasting luggage space and weight on redundant footwear.
What Gear Do You Need for Specific Arenal Adventures?
Wildlife watching benefits dramatically from binoculars (8×42 or 10×42) letting you observe distant sloths, monkeys, and birds that appear as dots to naked eyes, costing $30-100 for decent options.
Photography requires camera equipment ranging from smartphones (perfectly adequate for most travelers) to DSLR/mirrorless with telephoto lenses ($1000+) for serious wildlife and landscape photography.
Water activities demand waterproof phone cases ($10-30), dry bags ($15-40), and quick-dry towels since you’ll get completely soaked during rafting, canyoning, and waterfall adventures.
We cover everything from budget-friendly hikes to extreme adventures in our complete Top 25 Adventures at Arenal Volcano National Park guide.
Table: Activity-Specific Gear Requirements
| Activity Type | Essential Gear | Recommended Gear | Optional Gear | Don’t Waste Money On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking Trails | Boots, water, daypack | Trekking poles, GPS | Gaiters | Expensive GPS watch |
| Wildlife Tours | Binoculars 8×42 | Camera zoom lens, field guide | Voice recorder | Top-end binoculars |
| Water Activities | Waterproof phone case, swimsuit | Dry bag, water shoes | GoPro | Disposable waterproof camera |
| Night Tours | Headlamp red filter, closed shoes | Good camera low-light | Professional flashlight | Expensive night vision |
| Hot Springs | Swimsuit, towel | Flip-flops, sarong | Waterproof watch | Expensive swimwear |
| Zip-Lining | Closed-toe shoes, no loose items | GoPro chest mount, gloves | Nothing else | Your camera (not allowed) |
| Bird Watching | Binoculars, field guide | Spotting scope, camera | Recording equipment | $500+ binoculars casual |
| Photography | Camera, extra batteries/cards | Telephoto lens, tripod | Multiple lenses | $3000+ gear casual |
Binoculars represent the single best gear investment for Arenal adding immense value to wildlife viewing, with $50-100 mid-range options performing admirably versus diminishing returns above $200.
Waterproof cases protect phones during water activities and tropical downpours, with $15-30 models from Walmart or Amazon working perfectly well versus $50+ premium brands.
Trekking poles help significantly during steep sections like La Fortuna Waterfall’s 500 steps, particularly beneficial for seniors or those with knee issues, though most average hikers manage without.
GoPro or action cameras capture first-person perspective during zip-lining and rafting where regular cameras aren’t allowed, though they’re luxury purchases not necessities.
Field guides to Costa Rican wildlife enhance self-guided exploration helping identify birds, frogs, and plants, with the Birds of Costa Rica guide being most valuable at $20-30.
Most travelers overpack camera gear bringing multiple lenses and accessories they never use, when a smartphone or single zoom lens would suffice for their actual photography habits.
The mistake is buying expensive specialized gear you’ll use once like $300 binoculars or $500 GoPros when budget options deliver 80% of the performance at 30% of the cost.
What Should You Pack for Dry Season vs Green Season?
Dry season January-April requires less rain gear with a single packable jacket sufficing versus green season’s waterproof pants, pack covers, and multiple backup options.
Green season May-November demands waterproof everything including dry bags for electronics, extra ziplock bags for valuables, and acceptance that you’ll get muddy and wet frequently.
Both seasons need sun protection, insect repellent, and hiking boots, with the differences being in quantity and intensity of rain protection rather than completely different packing lists.
For complete month-by-month weather patterns, pricing, and crowd levels, see our guide to the Best Time to Visit Arenal Volcano.
Table: Dry Season vs Green Season Packing Differences
| Item Category | Dry Season (Jan-Apr) | Green Season (May-Nov) | Why the Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rain Jacket | 1 lightweight | 1 heavy-duty | More frequent heavier rain |
| Rain Pants | Optional | Essential | Ground soaking rain |
| Pack Cover/Dry Bags | Recommended | Essential | Protect electronics/valuables |
| Extra Clothes | 1 set backup | 2 sets backup | Frequent soaking |
| Waterproof Shoes | Recommended | Essential | Constant mud |
| Plastic Bags/Ziplocks | Few | Many | Keep things dry |
| Laundry Detergent | Optional | Recommended | Frequent washing needed |
| Insect Repellent | 1 small bottle | 2 bottles | More bugs with rain |
| Anti-Chafe Balm | Optional | Recommended | Constant moisture |
| Quick-Dry Towel | 1 | 1-2 | Longer drying times |
Green season visitors should pack everything in plastic bags inside their main luggage creating waterproof compartments, since even “waterproof” bags sometimes fail in torrential rain.
The mud factor during green season means bringing older hiking boots you don’t mind ruining rather than brand-new expensive boots that’ll get trashed in volcanic mud.
Dry season visitors can get away with trail runners instead of heavy boots since trails stay relatively firm, while green season makes boots mandatory for ankle support in slippery mud.
Shoulder season months (May and November) represent transitional weather requiring flexibility to pack for both conditions since you might experience dry stretches or heavy rain unpredictably.
The temperature difference between seasons is minimal (2-5°F), making clothing layers identical with only rain protection varying significantly between dry and green periods.
Most hotels have laundry service (24-48 hours) or self-service machines, with green season visitors using these frequently versus dry season where clothes dry overnight on bathroom racks.
What Electronics and Photography Gear Should You Bring?
Smartphone with quality camera suffices for 80% of travelers’ photography needs, shooting acceptable landscape and wildlife photos particularly recent iPhone/Samsung Galaxy models with zoom capabilities.
Camera with zoom lens (70-300mm minimum) dramatically improves wildlife photography letting you capture detailed animal portraits versus smartphone’s digital zoom producing pixelated results.
Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh) keeps devices charged during all-day adventures when you’re away from outlets for 8-10 hours hiking, touring, or traveling.
Table: Electronics and Photography Packing Guide
| Item | Priority | What For | Specifications | Cost | TSA Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone | Essential | Photos, communication, navigation | Latest 2-3 years | Have it | Carry-on only |
| Phone Charger + Cable | Essential | Daily charging | USB-C or Lightning | $10-30 | Any bag |
| Portable Power Bank | Very Important | All-day adventures | 10,000+ mAh | $25-50 | Carry-on only (FAA rules) |
| Universal Adapter | Essential | US/EU to Costa Rica | Type A/B (same as US) | $10-20 | Any bag |
| Camera Body | Important (photographers) | Wildlife, landscapes | DSLR or mirrorless | $500-2000 | Carry-on only |
| Telephoto Lens 70-300mm | Important (photographers) | Wildlife distance shots | Image stabilization | $300-1500 | Carry-on only |
| Extra Batteries | Very Important | Multiple days shooting | Camera-specific | $40-80 each | Carry-on only |
| Memory Cards | Very Important | Photo storage | 64-128 GB fast cards | $20-60 | Any bag |
| Waterproof Camera Case | Recommended | Water activities | Fits your camera | $15-100 | Any bag |
| GoPro/Action Camera | Optional | Adventure POV | Latest models | $200-400 | Any bag |
| Laptop/Tablet | Optional | Photo editing, work | Lightweight | Have it | Carry-on only |
| Kindle/E-reader | Recommended | Downtime reading | Waterproof model | $80-200 | Any bag |
| Headphones | Recommended | Travel, relaxation | Noise-canceling | $30-300 | Any bag |
Costa Rica uses Type A/B outlets (same as USA) with 110V power, meaning US travelers need no adapters while Europeans need converters for their 220V devices.
Backup storage matters with memory cards or cloud backup preventing disaster if your camera gets lost, stolen, or damaged during adventures.
Waterproof camera cases or dry bags protect expensive electronics during rafting, canyoning, waterfall visits, and unexpected tropical downpours that can destroy unprotected gear.
The photography gear trap is bringing multiple lenses, tripods, and accessories that weigh 10-15 pounds and go mostly unused when a single zoom lens would have sufficed.
E-readers provide entertainment during travel days, rainy afternoons, and pre-sleep reading without carrying heavy physical books adding weight.
Laptop computers are unnecessary for most tourists adding 3-5 pounds of weight, though digital nomads working remotely obviously need them.
Leave expensive jewelry and watches at home since they attract theft attention and you’ll never wear them during muddy hiking and adventure activities anyway.
What Toiletries and Medical Items Should You Pack?
Essential medications in original prescription bottles carry with you in case checked luggage gets lost, bringing 2-3 days extra beyond your trip length as safety buffer.
First aid kit covering basic needs includes bandaids, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, and any personal prescriptions required during travel.
Minimal toiletries work since hotels provide shampoo and soap, with you bringing only specific items like prescription face wash or preferred deodorant that aren’t easily replaced.
Table: Toiletries and Medical Packing List
| Item | Priority | Quantity | Why You Need It | Buy Locally? | Checked vs Carry-On |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription Medications | Essential | Trip length + 3 days | Personal health needs | No | Carry-on only |
| Pain Relievers (ibuprofen) | Essential | 20-30 pills | Headaches, soreness | Yes ($5-8) | Any bag |
| Anti-Diarrheal (Imodium) | Very Important | 10-15 pills | Traveler’s diarrhea | Yes ($6-10) | Any bag |
| First Aid Kit Basic | Important | Small kit | Cuts, blisters, scrapes | Yes ($10-20) | Any bag |
| Bandaids/Blister Pads | Important | 10-15 | Hiking blisters | Yes ($3-6) | Any bag |
| Antibiotic Ointment | Important | 1 small tube | Wound care | Yes ($5-8) | Any bag |
| Anti-Chafe Balm | Recommended | 1 stick | Humid hiking | Yes ($8-12) | Any bag |
| Motion Sickness Pills | Recommended | 10 pills | Winding roads | Yes ($6-10) | Any bag |
| Allergy Medication | Important (if needed) | 7-10 pills | Seasonal allergies | Yes ($8-15) | Any bag |
| Toothbrush/Toothpaste | Essential | Travel size | Daily hygiene | Yes ($5-10) | Any bag |
| Deodorant | Essential | Travel size | Daily hygiene | Yes ($4-8) | Checked if solid |
| Shampoo/Soap | Optional | Travel size | Hotels provide | Yes ($5-15) | Checked if liquid >3.4oz |
| Razor | Optional | 1 | Personal grooming | Yes ($5-15) | Checked bag |
| Feminine Products | Essential (if needed) | Trip supply | Personal needs | Yes ($6-12) | Any bag |
| Contraceptives | Essential (if needed) | Trip supply | Personal needs | Yes but familiar better | Any bag |
Travel-size toiletries (3.4 oz or less) comply with TSA carry-on liquid rules, though most items are cheaper to buy locally at La Fortuna supermarkets than expensive airport travel-size versions.
La Fortuna has well-stocked pharmacies carrying pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, first aid supplies, and basic prescription medications at reasonable prices comparable to US costs.
Prescription medications require original bottles with labels showing your name and prescribing doctor, preventing potential customs issues when entering Costa Rica.
Motion sickness medication helps during winding mountain roads between destinations, with non-drowsy versions being preferable for daytime travel.
Anti-chafe balm prevents painful chafing during humid hiking when thighs rub together in wet conditions, being more important in tropics than temperate climates.
Most visitors overpack toiletries bringing full-size bottles of multiple products when hotels provide basics and you can buy forgotten items cheaply in town.
Contact lens solution and extra contacts/glasses matter since you can’t easily replace specific prescriptions locally, requiring you to bring adequate supply from home.
What Should You Definitely NOT Pack for Arenal?
Skip jeans entirely since they’re heavy, take days to dry, become uncomfortable when wet, and offer no advantages over lightweight hiking pants in tropical conditions.
Leave valuables at home including expensive jewelry, designer items, and anything you’d be devastated to lose, since adventure travel risks damage, loss, or theft.
Forget excessive clothing “just in case” since you’ll wear the same 2-3 hiking outfits repeatedly, with extra items sitting unused in your luggage adding weight.
Table: What NOT to Pack for Arenal – Common Mistakes
| Don’t Bring This | Why It’s Wrong | What to Bring Instead | Weight/Space Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeans | Heavy, slow-dry, uncomfortable wet | Lightweight hiking pants | 2 lbs |
| Cotton T-Shirts Multiple | Stay wet, chafe, smell | 3-4 quick-dry synthetic | 1 lb |
| Heavy Winter Jacket | Too hot, never needed | Light fleece or windbreaker | 2-3 lbs |
| Multiple Shoes (5+ pairs) | Excessive, space hog | 2-3 pairs max | 3-5 lbs |
| Full-Size Toiletries | TSA issues, buy locally | Travel sizes or buy there | 2-3 lbs |
| Hair Dryer/Straightener | Hotels provide, voltage issues | Use hotel’s | 1-2 lbs |
| Lots of Books | Heavy, bulky | E-reader with 1000 books | 2-4 lbs |
| Expensive Jewelry | Theft risk, never wear | Leave at home | Minimal weight, high stress |
| Suit/Formal Clothes | Never needed in casual Arenal | Leave at home | 2-4 lbs |
| Beach Towels | Hotels provide | Use hotel towels | 2-3 lbs |
| Camping Gear | Not camping in Arenal | Leave at home | 10-20 lbs |
| Guidebooks Multiple | Heavy, outdated | Phone/Kindle apps | 2-5 lbs |
Hair dryers and flat irons exist at most hotels, eliminating the need to pack these bulky items that also face voltage compatibility issues with Costa Rican outlets.
Beach towels are provided by hotels and hot springs venues, making personal towels unnecessary weight except for a small quick-dry travel towel for specific uses.
Excessive medication and first aid beyond basics creates unnecessary weight when Costa Rica has excellent pharmacies stocking whatever you might need.
Formal clothing has zero use in Arenal where even nice restaurants accept hiking attire, with your fanciest outfit being clean hiking pants and a non-sweaty shirt.
Camping gear makes no sense since Arenal travel centers on hotels and tours rather than camping, with the few campgrounds available renting equipment.
Multiple guidebooks become obsolete instantly and weigh 1-2 pounds each when phone apps and websites provide better updated information for free.
The average over-packer brings 50-60% more stuff than they actually use, with unused items sitting in hotel rooms adding weight and stress throughout the trip.
What Can You Buy Locally vs Must Bring From Home?
La Fortuna has supermarkets, pharmacies, and outdoor shops stocking basics like toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray, rain ponchos, and basic clothing at reasonable prices similar to US costs.
Specialized items like prescription medications, specific camera lenses, hiking boots in your size, and preferred toiletry brands should come from home since local options are limited.
The strategy is bringing irreplaceable items from home while accepting you’ll buy forgotten basics locally, reducing pre-trip stress about perfect packing.
Table: Buy Locally vs Bring From Home Decision Matrix
| Item Category | Bring From Home | Buy in La Fortuna | Why | Approximate Local Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription Meds | Yes | Emergency only | Specific to you | Varies, may not have |
| Hiking Boots | Yes | Emergency backup | Size/fit critical | $60-100 limited selection |
| Camera Gear | Yes | No | Not available | N/A |
| Sunscreen | Either | Yes | Available everywhere | $10-15 (similar to US) |
| Bug Spray | Either | Yes | Available everywhere | $8-12 (similar to US) |
| Toiletries Basic | Either | Yes | Supermarkets well-stocked | $15-30 for basics |
| Rain Poncho | Either | Yes | Cheap at shops | $5-10 disposable |
| Quick-Dry Clothes | Yes | Limited | Tourist quality poor | $20-40 if desperate |
| Water Bottle | Either | Yes | Available everywhere | $5-15 |
| Snacks Preferred | Yes | Different brands | Familiarity | $10-20 for assortment |
| First Aid Basics | Either | Yes | Pharmacies excellent | $10-20 for kit |
| Feminine Products | Either | Yes | Available | $6-12 (familiar brands) |
Supermarket chains in La Fortuna include SuperCompro, Megasuper, and smaller convenience stores stocking international brands and local alternatives at fair prices.
Pharmacies require no prescription for many medications that would need prescriptions in the US, though bringing your own prescriptions ensures you have exactly what you need.
Outdoor shops sell rain ponchos, cheap sunglasses, hats, and tourist-grade gear, though quality is inferior to serious outdoor equipment from home-country retailers.
Emergency clothing purchases work in a pinch with La Fortuna shops selling basic t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops, though selection is limited and quality varies.
The mental relief of knowing you can buy forgotten items locally reduces pre-trip packing anxiety, accepting that spending $20-30 replacing forgotten sunscreen or bug spray won’t ruin your vacation.
Avoid buying specialized hiking or outdoor gear locally since quality is poor and prices inflated for tourist market, making home purchases far superior.
Book complete Arenal adventures with detailed packing lists for each activity with Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Tours where we specify exactly what you’ll need.
FAQs
What is the most important thing to pack for Arenal Volcano?
Hiking boots with good traction and ankle support are the single most important item, handling muddy trails, lava flows, and waterfall steps that are impossible with regular shoes.
Should I pack for hot or cold weather at Arenal?
Pack for warm tropical weather (70-90°F) with layers for cool mornings and air-conditioned buses, bringing light jacket but no heavy winter clothing needed year-round.
How much luggage should I bring to Arenal Costa Rica?
One carry-on bag plus personal item suffices for 5-7 days with quick-dry clothes and efficient packing, avoiding checked bag fees and loss risks.
Do I need rain gear for Arenal dry season?
Yes, bring packable rain jacket even during dry season January-April since brief tropical showers occur unpredictably, with green season requiring full waterproof setup.
Can I buy forgotten items in La Fortuna?
Yes, La Fortuna supermarkets and pharmacies stock basics like sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries, and rain ponchos at reasonable prices, though bring specialized items from home.
What clothes should I avoid packing for Arenal?
Skip jeans (heavy, slow-dry), cotton shirts (stay wet), excessive formal clothes (never worn), and multiple shoes (wear 2-3 pairs max) that add weight without value.
How to Create Your Perfect Arenal Packing List
Start with the absolute essentials – hiking boots, rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, swimsuit, sun protection, bug spray, water bottle, daypack, and headlamp – before adding anything else.
Consider your specific activities adding gear for wildlife viewing (binoculars), photography (camera/lenses), or water sports (waterproof cases, water shoes) based on booked adventures.
Check season adjusting rain gear quantity and waterproofing for green season May-November versus minimal rain protection during dry season January-April.
Assess your traveler type whether budget backpacker minimizing weight, family accommodating kids’ needs, or adventure enthusiast prioritizing technical gear over comfort items.
Test pack 3-5 days before departure allowing time to acquire forgotten items rather than last-minute panic packing missing critical gear.
Weigh your packed bag targeting 20-30 pounds for carry-on only travel or 40-50 pounds if checking, eliminating heaviest non-essential items if over target.
Make digital copies of important documents, prescriptions, and reservations storing in email or cloud as backup if originals get lost.
Accept that buying a few forgotten items locally is fine and doesn’t require perfect pre-trip packing stressing about every possible scenario.
For detailed activity-specific packing lists and gear recommendations, plan your Arenal adventure with Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Tours.
Glossary
- Quick-Dry Fabric: Synthetic or merino wool materials that wick moisture and dry rapidly, essential for tropical humidity versus cotton that stays wet.
- Carry-On Only: Travel strategy using just personal item and carry-on bag (no checked luggage) to avoid fees and loss risks.
- Packing Cubes: Organizational bags compressing clothes while keeping items separated by type or outfit for efficient luggage packing.
- TSA 3-1-1 Rule: Liquid restriction allowing 3.4 oz containers in 1 quart bag, 1 per passenger for carry-on luggage.
- Dry Season: January-April period with minimal rain requiring less waterproof gear versus green season’s heavy precipitation.
Key Takeaways
Pack light layers for Arenal’s tropical climate (70-90°F) focusing on quick-dry synthetic clothes, hiking boots with traction, rain gear year-round, swimsuit, sun protection SPF 30+, and insect repellent DEET 25-30%. Absolute essentials include comfortable walking shoes, reusable water bottle, small daypack, headlamp for night tours, and waterproof phone case. Bring 2-3 pants, 4-5 shirts, one light jacket for 5-7 days fitting carry-on plus personal item. Activity-specific gear includes binoculars for wildlife ($30-100), water shoes for rafting, camera with zoom lens for photography. Dry season January-April needs minimal rain gear while green season May-November requires waterproof everything. Skip jeans, cotton, excessive toiletries, and bulky items since alternatives available locally. La Fortuna supermarkets and pharmacies stock forgotten basics like sunscreen, bug spray, and toiletries at reasonable prices. Pack medications in original bottles with 2-3 days extra. Use packing cubes for organization and compression. Keep valuables in personal item preventing disaster if checked luggage lost. Digital copies of documents stored in email/cloud provide backup. Different traveler types need different strategies: budget backpackers minimize to 15-20 lbs, families check bags for kids items, photographers need checked bags for camera gear. Total weight should stay under 30 lbs carry-on or 50 lbs checked. Test pack 3-5 days before departure. Plan complete Arenal packing at https://arenalvolcanocostaricatours.com/.
Written by Carlos Mendez, Arenal Volcano tour guide for the past 12 years, specializing in adventure travel logistics and visitor preparation. Date: December 29, 2025.